Health & Fitness

There is so much that is happening to your body when you are pregnant. Over the next nine months, your baby will develop and prepare to be born. Prenatal care is imperative to birth success. You should feel comfortable with the medical professional of your choice. Whether it is an obstetrician or midwife, you will be spending the next nine months with this person, so choose wisely.

Prenatal Care
Throughout your pregnancy you will have periodic appointments intended to check your physical health and the development of your baby. Your medical professional will assist you in staying healthy while you are pregnant. At each appointment you can expect to have your urine and blood pressure tested. You will also be weighed. It is very important that weight is gained steadily throughout your pregnancy. There are potential hazards to gaining weight too quickly, as well as gaining too much or too little weight.

You will have additional tests as your pregnancy progresses. Your doctor will test you for rubella immunity, Rh factor, and sexually transmitted diseases at your first prenatal exam by drawing blood and performing a pap exam. At your next appointment the doctor will check the babys heartbeat using an electrostatic stethoscope.

Between 14 and 18 weeks an amniocentesis may be performed. This test is typically performed in women over 35 years of age or if there is a history of birth defects in the family. An Rh immunoglobin shot is given to women with Rh-negative blood at this time. During week 15 more blood will be drawn from the mother for a test called a triple screen. This test will provide a assessment of the probability of genetic disorders within the fetus. Depending on the probability, your doctor may suggest further screening and/or gene therapy.